What does Christmas mean to you?
Hi everyone.
Only a few days to go and Christmas will be over yet again!
With so much planning for Christmas celebrations, the emphasis on spend, spend, spend, and the reality that people spend more than they can afford, what are we doing? Invariably we hear the complaints they have eaten too much, whilst the rest of the world lingers in poverty. My question is. What is Christmas all about?
Uhm. That put the damper on it, didn’t it? Sorry didn’t mean to. But I have heard s-o-o-o-o many people say they don’t like Christmas, and untold numbers of family and friends have disputes and relationships break down – particularly marriages. FACT. Ever thought why?
Actually very few people consider the Christmas celebrations intrinsic meaning, history or origin, including me. I’m a believer, but I don’t like the label Christian because it seems to mean different things to different people these days. So let’s keep it simple. I believe in God and that Jesus was the Son of God. Therefore, if Christmas is about celebrating his birth, that’s a nice thought isn’t it?
Well I decided to do some research this about the origins of Christmas and actually the celebration has very little to do with the birth of Christ. I am told that the Bible does not mention anywhere the date of Christ’s birth. Historians and theologians have debated over the years, and whilst some have come to the conclusion it is in the spring, others think summer or early autumn. So basically no one is sure. That’s ok. It’s still acceptable to have a date when we can all collectively celebrate. But these days God has been taken out of our schools, and most kids know little or nothing about Jesus. Unless the school does a nativity play many people don’t give a thought to his birth. True or False? You tell me.
Now it appears that Christmas is based on a festival called Saturnalia, which was largely celebrated between the 17 December and early January and is a pagan festival based on the winter solace. Celebrated originally by the Romans, when punishments were suspended, courts closed, business stopped and war ceased. The Romans indulged in merry-making. Over-eating, drunkenness, the exchange of gifts and the decoration of homes with greenery were the norm. Sound familiar?
My research tells me that Christian leaders in the 4th century imported the Saturnalia festival into their Christian calendar, hoping to convert many of the pagan worshipers to Christianity. The deal was agreed.
So now Christmas has become a sacred religious and worldwide cultural event and the history behind Christmas trees and Santa Claus is interesting too. I’ll leave you to research that one yourself.
So the question I leave you with is; what does Christmas mean to you?
Hopefully you will have a lovely time with family and friends. Be kind to one another. And remember those less fortunate than ourselves who will NOT be eating a Christmas dinner.
On that note, make a coffee and listen to my short story Dolita’s Christmas.
Feliz Navidad
Anna xx
